>
By Yemi Bankole
Eminent professor of English and award-winning poet, Emeritus Professor Niyi Osundare, has urged Nigerians not to give up on the country despite its failings and difficult challenges.
The renowned scholar made the appeal while featuring as special guest of honour at the public presentation of a book of poetry, ‘Nostalgia and Tears F’Orile’, written by a Nigerian-Canadian writer, Lola Fabowale-Male, on Zoom recently.
He observed that many Nigerians both home and abroad had become disillusioned and even angry that Nigeria has not worked and thereby has denied them a safe and conducive haven to live and realize their potential.
Endemic bad leadership, corruption and declining values among other ills have worsened insecurity, social and economic woes that had resulted in mass desertion of the country by both skilled and unskilled human resources for foreign countries with promise of a better lease of life. The syndrome popularly known as ‘japa’ has continued to drain the acclaimed “giant of Africa” of quality human resource needed for its development.
But speaking at the launch of Fabowale-Male’s book, Prof Osundare said though Nigeria has disappointed not only its citizens but also Africa at large for still crawling at the bottom of development graph, in spite of its enormous potential since independence, there was yet hope that it could realize its huge potential.
Hence, he said, Nigerians must continue to show the country love while critically engaging the leadership on the numerous ills drawing it down.
“Nigeria, our country, is a difficult country to love, very, very difficult.People who mouth patriotism, many of them don’t know what they are talking about.
“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” Yeah, Mr. Kennedy said that a long time ago.
But he said it with the understanding and on the strength of the fact that America has done so much for Americans. So, he’s asking them to give back. The question many of us ask is, what is Nigeria giving us?
“In fact, Nigeria takes, takes and takes!
But, she’s still our country! She’s still our ‘Orile’. We cannot run away from this…
No matter where we go, that Orile holds sway,” he said.
The poet laureate commended the author, for lending her weight to the drive with her poetry compilation which celebrates and the same time critically x-rays the self-defeating characteristics and factors.
He described her as, “a poet that is global, ecumenical, truly not just international but trans-national and… yet also very indigenous; not only indigenous… very ‘nativist,” while commending her “accomodationist, progressive temperament and impulse” as well as masterful style and treatment of the themes in the published poetry collection, Fabowale-Male’s first.
Said the university don: “Here’s somebody who has… a critical acceptance about Nigeria, instead of rejecting Africa instead? of rejecting Nigeria, despite its weaknesses.”
At the online literary party, old classmates, colleagues, associates and family members poured encomiums on the author and the book which they described as consistent with her patriotism as well as intellectual and creative prowess.
Managing Director, Total Energy Nigeria, Mr. Adewale Fayemi, who was one of the chief launchers, described the content of the book as rich and impressive. As a former classmate familiar with the author’s pedigree of excellent output, he said, he was not at all disappointed at the high quality of the publication.
Another launcher, Deacon Olasunkanmi Okunola, said the work deserved support for its relevance in promoting cultural nationalism.
The book reviewer, Kim Cheel, described
Nostalgia and Tears F’Orile as, “the insight of someone who belongs to more than just one place.”
She added: “For someone like me, who was born in a country, and has remained in that country, it can be hard to understand what it means to dwell elsewhere – physically, emotionally, spiritually, and more. Being able to access the voice of someone who uses her vulnerability to share those feelings with us is a game changer…
“For some people, Lola is reflecting the truth of their lives, what they experience every day. For others, Lola is taking us to that truth, is bringing us that truth.”
Cheel, a bibliophile, ghostwriter, literary critic and editor, judged Fabowale-Male a quintessential literary talent, remarking that:
“The ability Lola has to dig deep into what is hidden and expose it (because how can change come without exposure), is the true mark of a writer, and a poet.
Dignitaries at the colorful event, compered by Dr. Kole Ade-Odutola, a Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of Florida, include: Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General, Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Accra, Ghana; Pastor Femi Olawale, Continental Overseer, Americas II, Redeemed Christian Church of God; Mr. Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser to Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari; Pastor Mrs. Ansa Babalola; Mrs. Tosin Pickett; Dr. Womiloju Olusola; Mrs. Tosin Olapeju, Mr. Charles Data Male, the author’s husband; as well as Alomale, her son, and other family members.